Blood lead levels

[Eagl1]

Removing toxins and heavy metals

I reload and I shoot about once a week at both indoor and outdoor ranges. I've never had my lead level tested but I know we're all exposed to toxins on a daily basis. There are countless chemicals and impurities in our air, water and food.
My family has been benefiting from whole-body nutritional cleansing for over a year and have noticeably improved our overall health. I don't worry as much about lead levels from my hobby knowing that I'm properly cleansing my body from the inside.

 

[novalty]

This is a very informative post. Just loaded up my tumbler this morning to clean another batch of brass. Have it in my basement, and am going to move it outside. Have a Lyman as well, and with the slotted top it still gets pretty dusty even with a couple cut up dryer sheets. I'll be moving this outside before I run it, hopefully it doesn't have a problem with cold weather--got down to "0" last night. I've got to get some gloves as well, I do immediately wash up after reloading, been using plated bullets so not as much lead exposure, but will be getting lead soon.

 

[Rule3]

This is a very informative post. Just loaded up my tumbler this morning to clean another batch of brass. Have it in my basement, and am going to move it outside. Have a Lyman as well, and with the slotted top it still gets pretty dusty even with a couple cut up dryer sheets. I'll be moving this outside before I run it, hopefully it doesn't have a problem with cold weather--got down to "0" last night. I've got to get some gloves as well, I do immediately wash up after reloading, been using plated bullets so not as much lead exposure, but will be getting lead soon.

There is a lot of lead in the brass from the primers. Tape up the slots on the Lyman cover.(I called them about getting a solid top but noooo.)

It always amazes me why some folks(not you) are so "proud" they never change their tumbling media It is so full of nasty stuff and works so much better when new. It costs pennies.

 

[novalty]

Rule3, I agree with you on changing the media. I maybe get 2 uses out of a tumbler full of media. Amazed at people who haven't changed it after several. After 2 runs, the corn-cob media I am using is looks almost like coal. Will looking into sealing off the lid of my Lyman--wonder if cling-wrap would work better than tape? Will most certainly be putting mine outside when I run the next batch.

 

[Fishslayer]

It always amazes me why some folks(not you) are so "proud" they never change their tumbling media It is so full of nasty stuff and works so much better when new. It costs pennies.

That's another one. I've already disposed of the media that's been in there...well... a looooong time. I use walnut for cleaning. The cob I use for polishing/delubing finished ammo I think is OK.

The walnut will be getting replaced often from now on. It's pretty cheap at the pet store.

 

[Rule3]

Rule3, I agree with you on changing the media. I maybe get 2 uses out of a tumbler full of media. Amazed at people who haven't changed it after several. After 2 runs, the corn-cob media I am using is looks almost like coal. Will looking into sealing off the lid of my Lyman--wonder if cling-wrap would work better than tape? Will most certainly be putting mine outside when I run the next batch.

I used black duct tape inside and out. It has held for years. I always tumble in the garage and empty it outside.

 

[dirty gary]

When I worked at a commercial reloading company we were tested periodically. I was always good, I loaded and ran bullet casting equipment. However, we had an employee who handled brass sorting including case inspection (decapping and swaging pockets). His level became elevated and he had to stop working until it returned to acceptable amount. It seems that airborn particles from primers are the most concern. A small amount of mineral spirits added to walnut media helps keep dust down to a minimum, probably keeps airborn lead down also.

 

[fredj338]

When I worked at a commercial reloading company we were tested periodically. I was always good, I loaded and ran bullet casting equipment. However, we had an employee who handled brass sorting including case inspection (decapping and swaging pockets). His level became elevated and he had to stop working until it returned to acceptable amount. It seems that airborn particles from primers are the most concern. A small amount of mineral spirits added to walnut media helps keep dust down to a minimum, probably keeps airborn lead down also.

Contaminate absorbtion will also vary quite a bit from person to person. Just like some get colds more readily than others. Seriously, the indoor shooting thing is a real deal killer for me. I have known guys that shoot every week indoors & have become quite sick. Wash your hands, don't eat, smoke or drink while reloading, stop shooting indoors, get some excersize & eat better, the lead poisoning thing is easily dealt with.

 

[socal s&w]

Fish -

You live in SD as do I. I would like to invite you to shoot at the SD Police Range on Home & Federal Blvd. It's outdoors, the line does not stop for breaks as there is a tunnel to the 25 yard line targets, it's a really cool range even in inclement weather as it has an over head roof....or during the hot months it's always breezy and it only cost $10 for the entire day to shoot! I know that some of the indoors are $15 an hour and up.

Most folks think that since it's called the SD Police Range that it's for the police only, it's not. The general public is welcome there. They also have classes if you're interested at all.

Been shooting there since the mid 70's. Fresh air, oh yeah!

 

[lougotzzz]

I was waiting for my next Doctors visit to re-post in this thread.I just had my lead test again and it went down like a freakin submarine. Yea baby. I am back. LOL

When I got my first test it was 8 then I took the next test(14-18 months later) and it was 21.7. The Dr. was concerned because it showed I was exposed. I took my latest test less then a week ago( approx 3.5 months from 2nd test) and got my results back and it was 5.5.

I can say the things I did the most that affected the level to go down was:

1. Locate the source. The tumbling media/dust.

2. I ate a ton of Alfalfa sprouts everyday. This is suppose to clean the blood.

3. I ate spinach ( has calcium) and a dark green to cleanse blood.

4. I ate citrus for vitamin C

5. I took a multi vitamin

6. I took vitamin E

These are the things I did and they worked. Good luck!

Remember most adult Americans have less then 10.

20 and above is considered exposed. When you get into 30-40 and above damage and ch-elation therapy is needed.

With Kids they want no more then 4.9 because they are developing.

 

[crankyoldlady]

Lead also enters through the eyes. Those wearing contacts should clean them frequently or purchase daily disposables for use on "range" day.

Oh, and don't pick your nose!!!

 

[parabarbarian]

Around here indoor ranges are about the only option if I want to shoot regularly. I take prophylactic measure such as Vitamin C (1000 mg/day) and Thiamine (75 mg/day). I also de-prime and wash my brass before tumbling. I never drink when reloading and I only drink from a closed container when at a range. I don't eat during or after either activity without a thorough hand washing.

Still, youse guys got me worried. I am going to have my lead levels checked with my blood work this year so I guess I'll know in a couple of weeks...

 

[Rule3]

Around here indoor ranges are about the only option if I want to shoot regularly. I take prophylactic measure such as Vitamin C (1000 mg/day) and Thiamine (75 mg/day). I also de-prime and wash my brass before tumbling. I never drink when reloading and I only drink from a closed container when at a range. I don't eat during or after either activity without a thorough hand washing.

Still, youse guys got me worried. I am going to have my lead levels checked with my blood work this year so I guess I'll know in a couple of weeks...

I would think in California all indoor ranges would be required to be lead free ammo?? check were you shoot and see what systems they have in place.
Our Sheriffs indoor range is state of the art and is mandated lead free, Another private range allows regular ammo but is positive airflow ventilation.

The supplements are all after the fact, if your range allows lead, then prevention is the only way to avoid it in your system. A hat (ball cap) and as lame as it may look, a lead approved respirator (all though that probably would not be an option)

 

[M3Stuart]

Just got some interesting news myself and am looking for any information I can get.

Thank you all for sharing!!!

 

[mlapaglia]

I belong to Bluecore Shooting Range in the Denver area.

"The entire range area is ventilated by a state of the art ventilation system. A range specific HVAC system replaces the every cubic inch of air every 90 seconds. A negative pressure is created, moving smoke and lead dust away from the firing line towards the back of the bullet trap area."
Yes that is a blurb from their website but it fits with this discussion. I try to shoot there once a week. Come by on a busy Saturday, the range will still smell as if it hasn't been used all day. Due to health reasons I have my lead checked every 3 months and its still less than 7. I do not have any financial interest in Bluecore but if you need a safe indoor range it is one of the best in the Denver area. They allow non-members as walk ins. They also have a 100 yd rifle range indoors.

 

[smithnframe]

I have been casting and reloading my own bullets for 43 years and my lead levels are normal. I wash thouroughly after every casting and reloading session. I also harvest lead from shooting ranges without any protection. Wash thouroughly is all I can say.

 

[David LaPell]

I really think alot of the issues with lead are overblown. My grandfather worked for National Lead in Tahawus, NY as did most of my family. One uncle worked there for 43 years and passed away this year at the ripe old age of 85. My grandmother used to tell us how every day she would be wiping the dust from the plant off of her window sill. None of the kids turned out with three heads or extra fingers. I remember growing up as a kid putting those lead split shot sinkers on with my teeth. I have been casting bullets for awhile and so far so good with my lead levels and my son's even though he is nowhere near the stuff but I take precautions. When my son was a year old my wife was concerned about his speech so we had him tested, this is done by our local county CPS. They asked alot of questions that if I had known about beforehand they would have been told to buzz off. They asked about lead, guns, me keeping ammo indoors, did I reload my own ammo etc. No questions about lead pain or chemicals, just lead ammo. Wheel weights are also banned in NY now so I have to have my tires balanced more because every mechanic I talk to say the new wheelweights don't work worth a darn compared to lead. Too much PC for too few problems. Is lead toxic, yes. But I do think alot of what we have heard has been blown out of proportion. If you take the proper precautions and don't overdo it you should be ok. I tumble away from everyone, shoot outdoors and have plenty of ventilation when I cast.

 

[cgt4570]

I work at a Nuclear Power Plant. The little bit of lead I'm exposed to while shooting, casting or reloading isn't of much concern!

 

[M3Stuart]

One item that I don't recall seeing on this thread that somebody mentioned to me is;

Precautions when cleaning guns. When cleaning guns, the lead residue in the barrel(s) mixed with solvent may get absorbed into your skin (or lungs via fumes). I used to clean my guns bare-handed (cuz I'm so macho - just kidding) and then wash my hands afterward.

Now I'm wearing those special (solvent proof) gloves when I clean them.

 

[rebcussion]

First a thank you to all who contributed. Good information. I started shooting little over year ago almost exclusively indoors. Living in The OC it is indoors or nothing. I believe we all need to be aware of all the pollution around us, avoid what we can, and taking precautions suggested in this thread make sense. The range I use has positive air pressure system. I can feel it on my back. The targets move in the breeze but I don't complain. Don't reload yet but I pick up brass bare handed. Think I'll start using gloves when handling spent brass. I wash my hands, face, and arms, if in short sleeves, after shooting and wear gloves while cleaning the guns.